Education in Saudi Arabia
Ma’arif Group Improves Computer Lab Effectiveness and Efficiency in 25 Schools across Saudi Arabia with NComputing
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – NComputing, a leader in client virtualisation solutions, today announced that Ma’arif Group, the largest owner and operator of private schools in Saudi Arabia, is transforming the learning experience in its computer laboratories with virtual desktops replacing PCs. The new solution, currently deployed in 25 of Ma’arif Group’s schools, provides more reliable computing services for teachers and students, while being simpler to manage and maintain.
Ma’arif for Education and Training consists of more than 80 schools throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and provides a comprehensive service, which includes the management and operation of schools as well as diverse national and international education and training programmes.
Computer laboratories are integral to the education that Ma’arif provides and are heavily utilised for lessons and examinations. The previous PC infrastructure used in the laboratories was proving to be increasingly unreliable with old desktop computers unable to run video and multimedia applications and requiring regular maintenance and repair. Moreover, the management of PCs for schools which are spread across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was time consuming and required a lot of manual maintenance.
Ma’arif worked with Virtual Tech for Information Technology EST, an NComputing Authorised Gold Partner to identify the best solution that can address these challenges. After reviewing the market and running a pilot project to test the technology, Ma’arif selected NComputing’s vSpace session virtualisation solution, including L300 thin clients. This solution was best suited to meet the organisation’s technology requirements because of the excellent multimedia capabilities, ease of use and the ability to remotely manage devices across multiple dispersed locations.
The NComputing solution is now deployed in 25 schools and allows Ma’arif to run one standard version of an operating system, which is accessed by multiple users, from a central vSpace server in each lab. A standardised desktop, as well as a set of applications are delivered to students and teachers in each of the computer labs. This enables Ma’arif to control and support all computer labs centrally, improving speed and effectiveness of maintenance work and minimising any downtime.
Commenting on the new computer lab solution, Abdullah Omran, PMP, IT Manager, Ma’arif said: “NComputing’s vSpace solution and Ma’arif for Education & Training’s world class education services have been a winning combination. We plan to equip all our computer labs with the NComputing L300 over the coming months. We are looking forward to continued positive benefits for Ma’arif for Education & Training, and most importantly, for the schools, teachers and students”
Maurice Johnson, Regional Director, NComputing Middle East said: “We are delighted to be supporting elearning at such a prestigious and important education organisation as Ma’arif. This is an excellent example of how schools and colleges in the Middle East can embrace powerful, easy to manage desktop virtualisation to widen access to information technology and improve education for students and teachers alike.”
About NComputing
NComputing, Inc. is a leader in client virtualization solutions. Through a unique formula of simplicity, performance and value, NComputing’s integrated solutions serve global enterprise and mid-market companies in key verticals such as education, healthcare and government. With over 20 million daily users in 140 countries, the company is fuelling the adoption of desktop virtualization faster than any other in the world. To learn more, visit http://www.ncomputing.com.
About Virtual Tech
Virtual Tech is a technical consultancy specialising in the areas of technical support, virtualisation and disaster recovery. Our flagship product, vCloud Recovery is a unique product that uses virtualisation to improve the disaster recovery process. Amongst others, we also offer Microsoft, VMware and Cisco consultancy services and a range of information technology related disciplines. For more information, visit:
http://www.virtualtechltd.co.uk/.
About Ma’arif Education and Training
Ma’arif for Education and Training consists of more than 80 schools throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and provides a comprehensive service, which includes the management and operation of schools for others. Ma’arif has a renowned educational reputation, providing diverse national and international education programs and courses as well as providing specialised academic training programs to more than 23,000 students.
For more information, please visit: http://www.maarif.com.sa/index.aspx?l=e
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Ma’arif Group chooses NComputing to simplify #IT management and improve #teaching across 25 schools in Saudi Arabia (URL to release) #ICT
